Let’s Dive into Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Basketweave Brown, Ambidextrous 77-118-03B
The Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Basketweave Brown, Ambidextrous 77-118-03B is a duty-grade magazine carrier designed for professionals and serious firearm enthusiasts. Crafted by Safariland, a trusted name in law enforcement and tactical gear, this pouch promises secure magazine retention, quick access, and durability under demanding conditions. Its ambidextrous design and classic basketweave brown finish add to its versatility and professional appearance.
I was looking for a reliable and professional-looking magazine pouch to replace my aging nylon carriers. My primary concern was finding a pouch that offered secure retention without sacrificing speed during reloads, crucial for both range training and potential real-world scenarios. The Safariland 77‘s reputation for quality and its basketweave finish, matching my duty belt, made it a compelling choice.
Upon unboxing, the pouch exuded quality. The leather felt thick and durable, and the basketweave pattern was clean and consistent. The brass buckle closure felt robust and secure, a welcome upgrade from the flimsy plastic snaps I’ve encountered on other pouches.
Compared to some minimalist Kydex carriers and generic nylon pouches I’ve used, the Safariland 77 felt significantly more substantial and professional. I considered a similar pouch from Bianchi, but the Safariland‘s ambidextrous design and established reputation ultimately swayed my decision. It also felt like a step up in quality from some of the cheaper leather options available.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The pouch appeared well-made and met my aesthetic requirements, but the true test would be its performance under real-world conditions. I was excited to see if it lived up to Safariland’s reputation for reliability and functionality.
Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Basketweave Brown, Ambidextrous 77-118-03B to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test was at the shooting range, focusing on reload drills with my Glock 19 and Sig Sauer P229 magazines. I tested the pouch while moving and shooting from various positions. The Safariland 77 performed admirably, providing secure retention while still allowing for relatively quick and easy magazine access.
I also tested the pouch after a sudden downpour. Even when wet, the leather retained its shape and the magazines remained securely in place. The brass buckle, surprisingly, didn’t tarnish or become difficult to operate in the damp conditions.
Using the pouch was intuitive. I didn’t require any break-in period or adjustments to my technique. The ambidextrous design allowed me to easily switch the orientation of the pouch to suit my weak-side or strong-side reloads.
The only minor issue I encountered was the initial stiffness of the leather. It made drawing the magazines slightly more difficult initially, but I anticipated this would improve with break-in. This pouch exceeded my expectations for a traditional leather carrier.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of weekly use at the range and during training exercises, the Safariland 77 has proven to be incredibly durable. There are no signs of stitching coming undone or the leather cracking. The basketweave finish has held up well, resisting scratches and scuffs.
The pouch requires minimal maintenance. I occasionally wipe it down with a leather cleaner and conditioner to keep the leather supple and prevent drying. This simple process has kept the pouch looking and performing like new.
Compared to the nylon pouches I’ve used in the past, the Safariland 77 is a significant upgrade in terms of durability and professional appearance. It provides a much more secure and reliable platform for carrying spare magazines, instilling confidence in its ability to perform when needed most. This pouch performs perfectly within its design parameters.
Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Basketweave Brown, Ambidextrous 77-118-03B
Specifications
- Category: Tactical Accessories. This categorizes the Safariland 77 as part of a larger system of gear designed for tactical applications.
- Finish/Color: Basketweave Brown. The basketweave finish provides a classic, professional look commonly associated with law enforcement duty gear.
- Fits: SigSauer P239, P225; Smith & Wesson 908, 909, 3904, 3906, 3913, 3913LS; 3913TSW7RoundMag; 3913TSW,3953TSW; 3913NL,3914,3914LS,3953,3954; Walther P5, P7, P38. This specification outlines the specific magazine sizes and pistol models the pouch is designed to accommodate, ensuring a secure and proper fit.
- Fastener: Brass Buckle. The brass buckle provides a secure and durable closure system for the magazine flaps, offering reliable retention.
- Type: Ambidextrous. The ambidextrous design allows the pouch to be comfortably worn on either the left or right side of the body, accommodating both right- and left-handed shooters.
- Fits belts: 2.25″ wide. This allows secure mounting to standard duty belts.
- Available Finishes: Plain Black, Basket Weave, Hi-Gloss or STX TACTICAL. This variety allows users to match the pouch to their existing gear and preferred aesthetic.
- Part of the 6004/6005 Tactical System: This integration allows seamless compatibility with other Safariland tactical accessories, creating a cohesive and modular gear setup.
These specifications matter because they dictate the pouch’s compatibility, functionality, and durability. The fit ensures proper magazine retention, the fastener provides secure closure, and the ambidextrous design offers versatility. The belt loop size ensures the pouch can be mounted to a standard duty belt.
Performance & Functionality
The Safariland 77 excels at securely retaining two handgun magazines while providing relatively easy access for quick reloads. The brass buckle closure provides a secure and reliable means of keeping the magazines in place. It doesn’t accidentally open during movement or physical exertion.
One of the pouch’s strengths is its durable construction. The thick leather and robust stitching give it a long lifespan. The only area for potential improvement would be to add adjustable tension screws to fine-tune magazine retention.
The pouch meets my expectations for a duty-grade magazine carrier. It’s reliable, durable, and provides secure magazine retention. It certainly performs better than cheaper nylon or flimsy leather alternatives.
Design & Ergonomics
The Safariland 77 is well-designed with a focus on functionality and durability. The basketweave brown leather provides a professional and classic appearance. The weight is reasonable, adding minimal bulk to the duty belt.
The pouch is user-friendly. It requires minimal adjustment or training to use effectively. The ambidextrous design is a welcome feature.
Durability & Maintenance
The Safariland 77 is built to last. The high-quality leather and robust stitching ensure a long lifespan. The pouch requires minimal maintenance.
A simple wipe-down with a leather cleaner and conditioner is sufficient to keep it in good condition. Occasional re-tensioning of the screws (if applicable) may be needed to maintain optimal magazine retention, but is not necessary for this model.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Safariland 77 doesn’t come with any accessories, as it’s a fairly straightforward magazine pouch. Customization options are limited to finish and color. The basketweave brown can be matched to other law enforcement duty gear.
While there are no direct modifications, the pouch is compatible with a variety of belt attachment systems if the user prefers a different mounting method. The compatibility with the Safariland 6004/6005 Tactical System allows it to be integrated with other tactical accessories.
Pros and Cons of Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Basketweave Brown, Ambidextrous 77-118-03B
Pros
- Durable Construction: The high-quality leather and robust stitching ensure a long lifespan.
- Secure Magazine Retention: The brass buckle closure provides reliable magazine retention, preventing accidental loss during movement.
- Ambidextrous Design: This allows comfortable use for both right- and left-handed shooters.
- Professional Appearance: The basketweave brown finish provides a classic and professional look suitable for duty use.
- Easy to Use: The pouch requires minimal training or adjustment.
Cons
- Stiffness: Leather may be stiff initially, requiring a break-in period.
- Fixed Retention: No adjustable tension screws.
Who Should Buy Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Basketweave Brown, Ambidextrous 77-118-03B?
The Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Basketweave Brown, Ambidextrous 77-118-03B is perfect for: Law enforcement officers, security professionals, and serious firearm enthusiasts who require a durable, reliable, and professional-looking magazine carrier. Those who value secure magazine retention and ease of use will also appreciate this pouch. It is a must-have for professionals on duty.
This product might not be ideal for individuals seeking a minimalist or low-profile magazine carrier. Those who prefer Kydex carriers with adjustable tension or those prioritizing the lightest possible weight may want to explore other options. Those looking for a concealed carry option should also avoid it.
No must-have accessories are required, although a quality leather cleaner and conditioner will help maintain the pouch’s appearance and prolong its lifespan. Consider belt keepers to secure the pouch to the belt.
Conclusion on Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Basketweave Brown, Ambidextrous 77-118-03B
The Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Basketweave Brown, Ambidextrous 77-118-03B is a well-made and reliable magazine carrier that delivers on its promises. Its durable construction, secure magazine retention, and professional appearance make it a worthwhile investment for those who demand the best from their gear. This is especially true for anyone working in law enforcement.
The price is justified by the quality of materials and construction. Cheaper alternatives may exist, but they often sacrifice durability and reliability. The Safariland 77 offers a good balance of quality and value.
I would highly recommend this pouch to anyone seeking a durable and reliable magazine carrier for duty or range use. Its classic design and robust construction make it a solid choice. Upgrade your gear today with the Safariland 77 and experience the peace of mind that comes with knowing your spare magazines are securely and readily accessible!